Thales in Vietnam: Strengthening cooperation and accelerating growth

The Group is investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – Big Data, artificial intelligence, connectivity, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust. In the markets of defence, aerospace and space, cyber and digital, Thales provides solutions, services and products to help its customers to carry out their critical missions. As part of its worldwide footprint, Thales has been established in Vietnam for over 30 years, playing a prominent role in delivering innovative solutions to vital markets within Vietnam.

In recent years, Thales Vietnam has welcomed the country’s growing diplomatic relations with European Union (EU) nations. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established between Vietnam and France has positioned Thales as a key contributor, supporting Vietnam's Resolution 57, which aims to drive breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation. In this context, Thales has been privileged to engage directly in strategic collaborations. Notably, the partnership with VNPT focuses on accelerating Vietnam's digital transformation through advancements in satellite telecommunications and cybersecurity, while the collaboration with OSB, a local high-tech enterprise, promotes education and innovation in space technologies. As a European leader in advanced technologies and in light of this strengthened cooperation, Thales stands ready to support Vietnam’s national ambitions more than ever.

Accelerating Growth in Defence, Aerospace and Space Markets

Defence Programs Amid an Increasingly Complex Geopolitical Landscape

Thales, as a leading defence company, is dedicated to supporting the People’s Army of Vietnam’s efforts to diversify its defence portfolio and drive the development of its local defence industry. For years, Thales has supplied key defence technologies - radars, sonars, and optronics - for naval and land platforms, consistently tailoring solutions to fit local needs. By supporting national defence modernisation programs and contributing to locally built platforms with sensors and systems, Thales enhances the country’s self-reliance and sovereignty, bolstering maritime security and ensuring interoperability with international partners. These initiatives reinforce Thales’ position as a leading defence partner in Vietnam.

Securing the booming Vietnamese aerospace industry

Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, with significant demand for secure and efficient air traffic management (ATM), several green-field airport developments, and airport modernisation programs, as well as strong new investments from Vietnamese airlines.

Since the 1990s, Thales has supported the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) and Vietnam Air Traffic Management (VATM) Corporation in becoming a leading air navigation service provider in South-East Asia. Thales provides Vietnam with world-leading solutions across the aerospace value chain, including surveillance systems, radars, and navigation aids. Today, Thales and VATM maintain a strong level of collaboration to ensure that the country is equipped with cutting-edge solutions.

Finally, Thales supplies avionics for the majority of the Boeing and Airbus fleet operating in Vietnam. Thales has been collaborating with Vietnam Airlines for over 15 years, particularly in the provision of in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems. The 4-Star Skytrax airline has selected Thales’ state-of-the-art AVANT In-Flight Entertainment System for its new fleet of Airbus A350 and Boeing B787-9 aircraft, enhancing the passenger experience.

Promoting sovereign space solutions for Vietnam

Vietnam also expresses a significant ambition in the space domain with its National Space Plan 2021-2030, which outlines the strategy for developing and applying space science and technology to ensure independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and social and economic development.

Thales Alenia Space is the leading European satellite manufacturer, delivering high-tech solutions for Telecommunications, Earth Observation, Navigation, Exploration, Science, and orbital infrastructures for over 40 years. It possesses a unique combination of expertise, covering the entire value chain, from Equipment, Payload, and Satellites to End-to-End Space Systems.

In this space domain, Thales Alenia Space has had a landmark collaboration with VIETTEL to provide VINAMARINE with a MEOLUT Next station operating as part of the COSPAS-SARSAT global search-and-rescue (SAR) network, mainly using the Galileo satellite positioning system. The system demonstrated its effectiveness and robustness during the passage of Typhoon Yagi, which struck Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos in September 2024. The system received, recorded, and processed distress messages from two vessels facing winds of over 150 km/h. Alert information was quickly transmitted to search and rescue teams, saving the lives of 20 crew members and confirming the capability of MEOLUT Next to operate in extreme weather conditions.

Building on this success, Thales reaffirms its long-term commitment to supporting Vietnam in the implementation of its national space strategy. The Group stands ready to collaborate with Vietnamese institutions and industry to develop resilient, sovereign, and future-proof space capabilities across telecommunications, earth observation, navigation, and space-based services. Through technology transfer, training programs, and cooperation on cutting-edge space systems, Thales aims to contribute to the growth of Vietnam’s space ecosystem, strengthen national autonomy in critical technologies, and foster strategic partnerships that will enable the country to fully harness the benefits of space for sustainable economic and social development.

Strengthening Vietnam’s Growth Through Innovation and Partnership

Thales Vietnam, therefore, stands at the intersection of progress and partnership, catalysing industrial growth and building technological sovereignty. The success of Thales in Vietnam is grounded in the values of cooperation, technology transfer and mutual economic benefits. Over the past few decades, Thales’ activities in Vietnam have underscored the company’s commitment to fostering strong ties between Vietnam and the EU.

“Vietnam has experienced remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I am especially proud to have witnessed Vietnam establishing itself as a regional leader in technology. For decades, Thales has been committed to fostering strong local partnerships that support the country’s sustainable development and achievements. Our long-term vision aligns with the government’s strategy to advance scientific and technological breakthroughs, with a focus on national defence, cybersecurity, space, and communications technologies. These areas are fundamental to enhancing connectivity, driving economic development, and safeguarding national security and sovereignty. You can count on Thales to maintain its long-term presence and continue fostering cooperation between Vietnam and the EU,” said Nicolas Bernardin, Country Director of Thales in Vietnam.

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